Quick Verdict
A highly capable i7 variant that trades integrated graphics for a slightly larger cache, delivering excellent value for Chinese gamers and creators using dedicated GPUs.
Overview
Launch
2023
Status
ActiveGeneration
13th Gen (Raptor Lake)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i7-13790F is a specialized desktop processor tailored exclusively for the Chinese market, offering a unique blend of high-end Raptor Lake performance with strategic cost optimizations.
Released in early 2023, the Core i7-13790F features 8 Performance cores and 8 Efficient cores. It uniquely offers 33MB of L3 cache, sitting between the standard 13700 and 13900. With a 65W base TDP and 219W turbo power limit, it balances everyday efficiency with heavy multi-threaded burst performance.
The lack of an iGPU makes it slightly cheaper, targeting users who already own a dedicated graphics card.
Specifications
Performance
Strong multi-core performance for rendering and compiling.
24 threads handle multiple VMs easily.
Performs nearly identically to the i7-13700K when paired with a high-end GPU.
65W base is efficient, but turbo loads push power high.
- •High boost clocks ensure strong FPS in CPU-bound titles.
- •Lack of QuickSync means no hardware video encoding without a GPU.
- •CPU-based AI inference is fast due to AVX2 support.
- •No dedicated NPU or integrated AI accelerators.
Architecture
Intel 7 (10nm)
Process Node
Raptor Lake-S
Codename
16C / 24T
Core Config
33 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-13790F is built on the Raptor Lake-S architecture, utilizing Intel's 10nm SuperFin process, commercially known as Intel 7. It represents a refinement of the 12th-gen Alder Lake architecture, focusing on increased cache, higher clock speeds, and improved power efficiency. The chip maintains the LGA 1700 socket compatibility, allowing users to upgrade from previous generations without changing motherboards.
CPU Design
It employs a heterogeneous hybrid design featuring 8 Raptor Cove Performance-cores (P-cores) and 8 Gracemont Efficient-cores (E-cores). The P-cores handle demanding single-threaded workloads and high-performance gaming, reaching speeds up to 5.2 GHz. The E-cores manage background processes and multi-threaded scalability, operating at up to 4.1 GHz to conserve power. This combination yields 16 total cores and 24 processing threads.
Memory Subsystem
The memory controller supports dual-channel DDR5 at 5600 MT/s natively, alongside backward compatibility with DDR4 at 3200 MT/s. This flexibility allows system builders to choose between cost-effective DDR4 or high-bandwidth DDR5 setups.
PCIe & I/O
It offers 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes directly from the CPU, enabling support for the latest Gen 5 graphics cards and ultra-fast NVMe storage solutions, ensuring a future-proof platform.
Overclocking
The processor features a locked multiplier, meaning base clock tuning is the primary method for enthusiasts to increase frequencies.
- Added 8 E-Cores (up from 4)
- Higher boost clocks (5.2 GHz vs 5.0 GHz)
- Increased L2 and L3 cache
Key Highlights
- Excellent multi-threaded performance
- Unique 33MB L3 cache
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Cost-effective compared to K-series
- Locked multiplier limits overclocking
- No integrated graphics
- High power draw under heavy load
- Region-locked to China
History
The Core i7-13790F emerged during a pivotal period for Intel, as the company sought to maintain market dominance against AMD's Ryzen 7000 series. Recognizing the specific demands of the Chinese DIY PC market, Intel opted to create bespoke SKUs that cater directly to regional preferences. Historically, the Chinese market has shown a strong appetite for high-core-count processors paired with discrete graphics, often prioritizing CPU cache and frequency over integrated graphics capabilities.
By taking the standard Raptor Lake i7 die and disabling the integrated graphics while slightly bumping the L3 cache, Intel effectively created a highly appealing product for budget-conscious enthusiasts. This strategy is not entirely new; Intel has frequently released F-series processors globally, but the 90 suffix denotes a region-specific binning and feature adjustment. This move allowed Intel to optimize its silicon yields while offering a competitively priced option that undermines gray-market imports and directly addresses local gaming and productivity demands.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Added 8 E-Cores (up from 4)
- Higher boost clocks (5.2 GHz vs 5.0 GHz)
- Increased L2 and L3 cache
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Building a dedicated gaming or creator PC in the Chinese market.
Avoid if…
- You need integrated graphics for troubleshooting or basic display output.
- You live outside China and cannot easily source the chip.
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The '90' suffix uniquely denotes it as a China-exclusive specialized SKU.
It has more L3 cache (33MB) than the global i7-13700 (30MB).
It lacks the QuickSync engine found in Intel CPUs with iGPUs.
Despite a 65W base TDP, it can draw over 200W under turbo loads.
It shares the same physical die as the Core i9-13900.
The F suffix means it requires a dedicated graphics card.
It supports Intel's Thread Director for seamless task scheduling.
E-cores are based on the Gracemont architecture, similar to Atom chips.
It can run DDR5 memory at 5600 MT/s natively without overclocking.
The chip uses a monolithic die design rather than a chiplet approach.
People Also Ask
Why is the Core i7-13790F only sold in China?
Intel often releases region-specific SKUs to cater to local market demands and price sensitivities, offering a tailored feature set like disabled iGPU and extra cache.
Does the i7-13790F have integrated graphics?
No, the 'F' suffix indicates that the integrated graphics unit is disabled, requiring a dedicated GPU.
What is the difference between i7-13790F and i7-13700F?
The 13790F has 33MB of L3 cache compared to 30MB on the 13700F, and it is exclusively available in the Chinese market.
Can you overclock the i7-13790F?
No, it has a locked multiplier, though you can adjust the base clock within very tight limits.
Is the i7-13790F good for gaming?
Yes, with 8 P-Cores boosting to 5.2 GHz and ample cache, it is excellent for high-refresh-rate gaming.
What socket does the i7-13790F use?
It uses the Intel LGA 1700 socket.
Does the i7-13790F support DDR5 memory?
Yes, it supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory depending on the motherboard used.
What is the base TDP of the i7-13790F?
The base TDP (PL1) is 65W, but the maximum turbo power (PL2) is 219W.
Does the i7-13790F come with a cooler?
No, it does not include a stock cooler; a robust aftermarket cooler is recommended.
Is QuickSync available on the i7-13790F?
No, because the integrated graphics are disabled, Intel QuickSync is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the i7-13790F without a graphics card?
No, you must install a dedicated PCIe graphics card to get display output.
What chipsets support the i7-13790F?
It is compatible with 600 and 700 series chipsets (H610, B660, H670, Z690, B760, H770, Z790).
How many E-Cores does the i7-13790F have?
It features 8 Efficient-cores (E-Cores) alongside 8 Performance-cores (P-Cores).
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-13790F?
The maximum turbo frequency is 5.2 GHz on the P-Cores.
Does the i7-13790F support PCIe 5.0?
Yes, it provides 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes directly from the CPU.
What is the TJMax for the i7-13790F?
The maximum safe operating temperature (TJMax) is 100°C.
Is the i7-13790F multiplier unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked, meaning standard CPU overclocking is not supported.
How much L2 cache does the i7-13790F have?
It has 2MB of L2 cache per P-Core and 4MB per E-Core module, totaling 24MB of L2 cache.
Can I build a Hackintosh with the i7-13790F?
It is possible, but lack of integrated graphics makes the setup more complex as you rely entirely on dGPU support.
What is the part number for the i7-13790F?
The official Intel part number is SRMBZ.